VALENTINE'S DAY: The heart of the matter

Valentine's Day to me means my best friend Rowshan's birthday. She and her family usually go out for dinner on this occasion. We vie with each other in giving her gorgeous gifts to tell her how much we treasure her and how much we honour and need her to keep us in the momentum and graph of life. She means laughter and fun. It is something like Valentine's Day, when cakes, teddy bears, dolls and toys tell one that one is loved and wanted. Flowers, gateaux, chocolates and cards tell that special someone that he/she is the best thing in the world. Yes, it is a big deal. It is a day to celebrate, a night to remember with candles and roses -- no matter how hackneyed all this maybe to be for the cynic.
The day of the martyr, Roman as we believe he was, is also the day when a very dear friend of mine, Fareha Zeba, celebrates her wedding anniversary. Fareha is a well-known art teacher, who also spent her formative years in Karachi like Rokeya Sultana and me, who certainly treasure our childhood. The days gone by have always been the best. This goes for both the sexes, as far as I can recollect, talking things over at the office.
Some people make a big deal out of Valentine's Day as if it were one of the Eids, or Christmas or New Year. Actually people are weary of working like Trojans and enjoy a break and celebration. It gives the mind a well-needed and deserved rest. It maybe coveted mouth-watering meals -- lunches or tea -- carried over by friends and relatives, flaunting of new skirts or saris and shalwar-kameez sets that make up this moment of fresh sit-together meals.
These meals on Valentine's Day may be in the garden, terraced lawn or even in a café or restaurant. It is a time of hope and joy. It is the scramble for sweets and savouries, time for pies and muffins and mouth-watering cheesecakes galore.

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